Using the 3P Change Equation to Achieve Next Level Performance

By Bill Hogg

This is the first in a series of articles that discuss the 3P Change Equation approach to change in any organization – the foundation of my Fired Up & Focused keynote and workshops.

Making change that is sustainable is not easy for any organization. Change is hard. People resist change, even positive change, and they often express their resistance through declining engagement and performance, and by slipping into bad habits.

However, change is necessary for organizations to succeed and grow. For change to happen, and for it to stick, tough decisions are needed. Leaders need to be serious about communicating passionately, engaging their employees and increasing productivity to improve bottom line results.

That’s easier said than done?

But what if you approach change differently? Leaders first need to understand that you can’t change people, people need to decide to change.

Creating change requires a rational and, more importantly, an emotional connection. No matter how rational your reason for change, people will not buy in until you engage them on an emotional level.

This is why creating change is so challenging. People are inherently resistant to change, and connecting with them emotionally will not happen overnight. Change takes time and you need to have a plan. I use the 3P Change Equation.

The 3P Change Equation

Change in Purpose & Passion + Change in Process = Change in RESULTS

The 3P change equation is a framework that is focused on both the emotional and rational elements of change. It includes three essential elements that are critical for change:

Purpose

First, you need to have clarity of purpose. You need to clearly communicate why change is necessary, why you do what you do, and where you are going. You need clarity of your purpose, vision, and values.

State your intent behind the proposed change, define what your organization will stand for and how you will choose to behave and conduct yourself. This also establishes your culture.

In the absence of a clear, focused purpose, whether it be for the company, or a project you are working towards, people will fill that vacuum with their own preconceptions. When this happens, people often move in different directions and the unity needed for successful change is nonexistent.

However, with a clear purpose in place, it provides your people with clarity and the opportunity to emotionally connect and join you in your journey.

Passion

No matter how rational an argument for change, people will not buy in until you engage them on an emotional level. This starts with your own behaviours. Leaders need to go first. Lead by example and walk the talk. Displaying integrity in your behaviour opens the door for others to trust your vision and decisions, and builds trust and cooperation into your organizational culture.

Process

Finally, you need a clear roadmap of where you are going and how you will get there. The foundational element of any roadmap is a process for building accountability into your organizational DNA. Without that critical ingredient, no process will save your change initiative.

Clear expectations create accountability and ensure the organization delivers against expectations, internally and externally. I call this a ‘No Excuse’ mindset and it will help you achieve a change in results.

Sustainable Change Improves Performance, Profits and Results

While difficult, change is essential if you want see an improvement in performance, profits, and results. People inherently resist change, even beneficial change, because it is hard, messy and painful. And it should be, otherwise everyone would be doing it. It is much easier to hold onto what is working right now than to make hard decisions, ruffle feathers, and hold people accountable to navigate change.

To succeed, it is essential to stir emotions strongly enough to overcome the natural tendency to slide back into the comfort of old habits. Purpose, passion, and process are the key elements to get your organization fired up and focused on creating real change. When leaders understand the rational and emotional components of change and how to clearly leverage the 3P Change Equation, they will be in a position to achieve desired outcomes.

When all these elements are in place – then you can expect a sustainable change in RESULTS.

For more information about this topic or to book Bill for a leadership speaking engagement, contact Bill Hogg or visit us online at www.BillHogg.ca where you can sign up to receive an article like this each month.

Bill works with individuals and organizations to navigate change and achieve next level performance — to improve passion, productivity and performance with people — and bottom line results! For over 30 years, Bill has been the go to guy when the world’s most recognized brands are faced with challenges that require change — to improve bottom line results. Bill takes no prisoners and his clients love him for it.

Bill provides world class executive consulting, dynamic keynote presentations and transformative workshops for clients that include; Adecco, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Pita Pit, Thompson Ahern, Toronto International Film Festival and ServiceOntario. For additional articles and information on how to transform your organization, contact [email protected] © Copyright – All Rights Reserved